Rona ready for bombs away from All Blacks

The Wallabies are daring the All Blacks to target code-hopping Curtis Rona after handing the first-year rugby convert a Bledisloe Cup baptism of fire.

Coach Michael Cheika has pinned his faith in the ex-North Queensland and Canterbury NRL winger after Rona’s Western Force teammate Dane Haylett-Petty failed to recover from a biceps injury in time for Saturday’s clash in Sydney.

Rona spent just one game on the wing for the Force this season, with the 23-year-old playing at outside centre for the rest of the campaign.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has forecast targeting the New Zealand-born debutant, but Rona says bring it on.

“They can say whatever they want but I know myself what I’m capable of doing and I’m feeling really confident coming into this game,” said the rookie of just 14 Super Rugby caps.

Rona insists his transition to the wing has been easier than he thought and that he’s more than ready for any high balls that come his way – be them off the boot of the All Blacks or Wallabies teammates hunting for five-pointers of their own at ANZ Stadium, his former home at the Bulldogs.

“I think I’ve done enough to be able to master taking the ball in the air and I’m looking forward to that,” Rona said.

Cheika also believes the code hopper is ready for rugby’s ultimate challenge against the world champions.

“He’s played on the big stage before in rugby league, so I’m sure he’ll handle it no problem,” Cheika said.

“Curtis has been picked because he’s a high quality player. He’s really shown a lot of enthusiasm, aggression.

“He’s just been hungry to be involved in everything.”

In the other key backline call, Kurtley Beale returns for his first Test since the 2015 Rugby World Cup final loss to New Zealand at Twickenham.

Beale has been named at inside centre for the first time in his 61-Test career and will start in the midfield alongside 2014 Super Rugby-winning teammate Bernard Foley for the first time at international level.

Melbourne Rebels tearaway Sean McMahon has won the contentious No.8 spot ahead of his Super Rugby teammate Lopeti Timani, partnering skipper Michael Hooper and Ned Hanigan in the back row.

Former captain Stephen Moore retains his hooker’s role, with Tatafu Polota-Nau named on the bench after starting the first two Tests of the year.